On the morning of the carnival, Anna received a phone call from Mrs Toadly, the carnival organiser. There was a meeting of the utmost importance and she had to attend. She left the hotel in Lemmy’s capable hands, and set off to the Artists’ Quarter.
Anna had never been to that side of town before, and in a colourful office tucked away off an ancient cobbled street she sat awaiting Mrs Toadly’s arrival. There was barely any room to breathe inside, as everyone who was entering a float was present, including Mr Ruffian, owner of the Glitz. He didn’t look very happy, thought Anna. But then, when did he ever?
Eventually Mrs Toadly skipped into the room, but without her usual broad smile.
‘It would seem,’ she said, ‘that there is a mighty fine storm circling a few hundred miles off the coast. It may hit us this afternoon or it may not, but I fear we must cancel the carnival.’
‘Ridiculous,’ snapped Mr Ruffian. ‘We never have storms here. This is the Sunset Isle after all!’
‘The weather report was very sure,’ said Mrs Toadly. ‘Storm of the century, they said.’
‘Weather reports are always wrong,’ said Mr Ruffian. ‘Besides, my hotel is booked full of guests! They’re here because of the carnival.’
‘As is mine,’ said Anna. Mr Ruffian growled at Anna under furrowed brows. He was still incredibly angry about Hotel Flamingo’s success. He stood up and towered over Mrs Toadly. ‘You cannot cancel the carnival!’ he said, bearing down on her.
‘We have to think of safety,’ said Mrs Toadly.
‘We have to think of all my unhappy hotel guests!’ he replied in a bullying tone. ‘Animal Boulevard would be a laughing stock. The carnival is the highlight of the year.’
Mrs Toadly fell silent. The other animals in the room mumbled with discontent.
‘You cannot cancel the carnival,’ repeated Mr Ruffian. ‘It would be a disaster for us all!’
With a very loud, awkward gulp, Mrs Toadly finally spoke. ‘If everyone’s in agreement, then so am I,’ she said. ‘Everyone?’
‘Will it really be dangerous?’ asked Anna.
‘WE DON’T GET DANGEROUS STORMS HERE,’ growled Mr Ruffian. ‘What would you know?’
He marched to the door. ‘The carnival is on,’ he said, stepping outside. ‘And that’s the last I’ll hear of it.’
•
‘Miss Anna!’ said Lemmy as she walked into the hotel. He sounded quite distraught. ‘Look at this!’
He held a poster for the carnival concert, but the Nocturnal Animals were no longer on the bill. Another band had taken their place.
‘Who are the Sugar Bunnies?’ asked Anna.
‘They’re rubbish,’ said Lemmy. He hunched sadly over the front desk. ‘I can’t believe it. I was going to be on the guest list!’
‘I’m sure it’s all a big mistake,’ said Anna. ‘But I think I should go and tell the band.’
She knocked on the door to their room, and Suzi Suzi answered.
‘Sorry to wake you,’ said Anna.
‘You didn’t,’ said Suzi. ‘We stay up late. A chance to chill out after practice.’
Anna passed her the concert poster. ‘Have you seen this?’ she asked.
‘Wow,’ said Suzi in disbelief.
She walked into her room, beckoning Anna to follow. The room was tidy and well kept, and not at all how Anna thought a rock band would live.
‘The dude’s cancelled the gig,’ said Suzi to Anji and Kool.
‘And look who’s playing now,’ said Kool. ‘The Sugar Bunnies? They’re the worst.’
Anji sighed, and her broad shoulders slumped down. For the first time since staying with them Anna was surprised to see her fringe clipped back to reveal her beautiful dark black eyes.
‘You’ve heard of them?’ asked Anna.
Anji nodded.
Kool slammed his sticks on to a coffee table. ‘They’re Mr Sweet’s other band,’ he said.
‘That now makes sense,’ said Anna. ‘So what will you do?’
‘I guess we should pack up and leave,’ said Suzi.
‘But where will you go?’ asked Anna.
‘Home?’ said Kool. ‘I mean, it’s been a while.’
‘Stay here for the carnival,’ said Anna. ‘Sleep well, and then see how you feel later.’
‘Are you cool with that?’ asked Suzi.
‘Of course I am,’ said Anna. ‘I know Lemmy’s loved having you here. As have I.’
‘You know,’ said Kool, ‘this hotel rocks.’
‘I probably should go and get ready for the carnival now,’ said Anna. ‘Get some rest, and we’ll catch up tonight.’
‘Sure,’ said Suzi.
Anna left and went to find her costume. What had once seemed so exciting now left a bad taste in her mouth. Still, as Ms Fragranti said, the show must go on.